Here's a simple question for the Western and Central Railways in Mumbai: Why do first class passengers have to pay nearly four times the normal fare?

One would suppose that you get at least four times better facilities. Or let's say thrice.

Shockingly, it is not the case. Ever travelled first class in Mumbai's locals (old and new) recently? Better not!

If the seats are not ripped apart, they are uneven. They are perfectly sized for three extremely fit persons. So, the minute a slightly overweight person decides to seat him/herself, you have a space crunch.

Some Smart Alecs love to 'seat' their bags with them too, of course.

It's raining cats and dogs these days, so what do we get in many first class compartments? A complimentary shower!

One the few real benefits you get as a first class commuter is that you skip the queue. That is, of course, if there is no foul-mouthed person waiting for his/her turn in the normal queue for the past 10 minutes, who thinks you are jumping the line. If so, get ready to listen to a string of abuses, with the ticket counter staff refusing to intervene.

The first class compartments are dirty. The fans, even in the new rakes, have already collected dust. They do not generate extra breeze, if at all they generate breeze.

Many new trains have new compartments for nearly the entire train, except for the first class.

Often, during peak hours, the first class compartments are more crowded. That's because many of the commuters are second class, but they care a damn as they know they ticket-checker will not dare enter a packed compartment.

One would expect at least decent fans placed at platforms where the first class compartments arrive. Sorry, that is asking for too much.

What about the snacks at the railway stations? Don't dare burp!

And, I won't raise a stink about the toilets, because I cannot breathe!!! Gasp!!!

You may say, excuse me, but second class commuters face similar problems. Precisely, then why charge first class commuters more? Where have all the railway commuters' welfare associations gone? Is there one at all?

It's time Union minister Mamata Banerjee finds some time for the railways.